Audio Files for Practice

You'll need this document: "Zen Sutras, Chants, and Songs".

This post provides links to audio files for your home sitting practice. The files for the Morn practice (which, of course, can be used at any time of day) provide:

• Han sequence (7 mins)
• Inkin sequence (for offering incense and three prostrations -- 1:40)
• Verse of Kesa (p. 42 -- 2 mins)
• Opening Verse (from pp. 3-5 -- about 1 min)
• Opening Day-of-Week Song (p. 38 or 42 -- 1-2 mins)
• Dedication, including Gatha of Atonement or The Three Refuges (about 3 mins)
• Silence for Zazen (25 mins)
• Kinhin (4-5 mins)
• Sutra Service (7-9 mins)
• Closing Verse (from pp. 39-42 -- about 1 min)
• Closing Day-of-Week Song (p. 38 or 42 -- 1-2 mins)

The Morn practice, from the end of the Han sequence, is about 50 minutes.

The Eve practice consists only of:

• Opening Day-of-Week Song (p. 38 or 42 -- 1-2 mins)
• Silence for Zazen (25 mins)
• Closing Day-of-Week Song (p. 38 or 42 -- 1-2 mins)

The Eve practice takes just under 30 mins.

Morn Practice

Getting Started. For the four weeks, 2024 Mar 25 through Apr 21: Starter Audio.
You may wish to load this audio file into your favorite Alarm Clock app so you can set the time you want to be called to practice. The audio is 12 mins + 3 min silence at end, in case your alarm app dismisses at 15 mins. (Suggestion: set this file to play at 5:53am).
Includes:

• Han sequence (7 mins) to call you to get ready for practice.
• Inkin sequence (for offering incense and three prostrations -- 1:40)
• Verse of Kesa (p. 42 -- 2 mins) for singing along. Don kesa (if you have one) between 2nd and 3rd repetitions.
• Opening Verse 1, "Prayer for Practice," (p. 3 -- about 1 min)

(NOTE: The link to the Starter Audio will be updated on Mon Apr 22. The new link will connect to an audio file with a different Opening Verse.)

Day of Week (35 mins). After chanting the Opening Verse, select the file for the day of the week. (Suggestion: set this file to play at 6:05am. Set auto-dismiss at 45 mins.)
These files include:

• Opening Day-of-Week Song (words on p. 38)
• Dedication (pp. 2-3). Mon-Wed-Fri uses the Dedication for Odd-Numbered Days. Tue-Thu-Weekend uses the Even-Numbered Days Dedication. The Dedication includes a sequence of inkin bells for bowing forward from seated posture and whispering your personal dedications.
• 25 mins of silence for zazen. The zazen time is introduced with 3 bells. At the end of the 25 mins, you'll hear two bells, signalling you to rise and stand in gassho.
• At the sound of clappers, bow and begin 4-5 mins for kinhin. At second clappers, return to place, standing in gassho. At third clappers, bow and be seated.

Monday Morn
Tuesday Morn
Wednesday Morn
Thursday Morn
Friday Morn
Saturday Morn
Sun Apr 21 Morn: Repeat Wednesday Morn

Sutra Service (8-10 mins). After zazen and kinhin, be seated and select the Sutra Service. (Suggestion: set these files to play at 6:40am. Set auto-dismiss at 10 mins.)
Sutra Servce for the 3rd week of spring (2024 Apr 8-14):
Mon-Wed-Fri: Sutra Service 3A (p. 10-11, 39).
Tue-Thu-Sat-Sun: Sutra Service 3B (p. 10, 12-13, 39).

Sutra Service for the 4th week of spring (2024 Apr 15-21):
Mon-Wed-Fri-Sun: Sutra Service 4A (p. 13-15)
Tue-Thu-Sat: Sutra Service 4B (p. 15-16)

Closing Song (about 2 mins)
Lastly, select the closing song for the day of the week. Bells at the end prompt you to stand, bow to your altar, then bow to anyone else practicing with you -- or toward the door, symbolizing the world of beings.
Monday Closing Song (p. 38)
Tuesday Closing Song (p. 38)
Wednesday Closing Song (p. 38)
Thursday Closing Song (p. 38)
Friday Closing Song (p. 38)
Saturday Closing Song (p. 42)
Sun Apr 21 Closing Song: Repeat Wednesday Closing Song.

Eve Practice

This Han Sequence audio file includes only the 7-min Han sequence. You may wish to load it into your favorite Alarm Clock app so you can set the time you want to be called to evening practice.

• Get settled in seated posture.
• Begin audio for "Eve" (click on the appropriate link below)
• Along with the recording, sing Day-of-the-Week Opening Song (p. 38 for Mon-Fri; p. 42 for Weekend).
• 25-minutes of Zazen. Each Eve audio has 25 minutes of silence. Three bells sound at the beginning of Zazen and two bells when Zazen time is up.
• Sing along with the Day-of-the-Week Closing Song (p. 38 for Mon-Fri; p. 42 for Weekend).
• Inkin bells at the end of the Closing Song will signal you to rise, give one bow to the altar, and then a bow to the sangha.

Mon Eve
Tue Eve
Wed Eve
Thu Eve
Fri Eve
Sat Eve
Sun Apr 21 Eve: Repeat Wed Eve.

Directory for all audio files: HERE

AUDIO CREDITS

Spoken recordings by Meredith Garmon and LoraKim Joyner. "Universal Dedication" includes voice of Allie Freed.
"Jizo Dharani," "Sho Sai Myo Kichijo Dharani," "Shigu Seigan Mon," "Buddha Vandana," "Filled with Loving Kindness," "Dedication of Merit" and "Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo" pulled from Youtube.
"Gate of Sweet Nectar" by Krishna Das, sung by Starry Mountain Singers for Amidon Community Music.
"The Four Bodhisattva Vows" and "Diamond Sutra Gatha": music composed and performed by Meredith Garmon.
"Save All the Beings": piano, guitar, and vocals by Meredith Garmon, music by Boundless Way Zen.
"Verse of the Kesa" and "Shantideva's Way of the Bodhisattva": music by Soten Lynch; vocals by Soten Lynch, Kosho Ault, Maggie Medlin, and Eric Hertz. Recorded at Great Vow Zen Monastery, Clatskanie, OR, 2020.
For credits for the words/lyrics, see "Zen Sutras, Chants, and Songs".

Audio Files for Practice

You'll need this document: "Zen Sutras, Chants, and Songs".

This post provides links to audio files for your home sitting practice. The files for the Morn practice (which, of course, can be used at any time of day) provide:

• Han sequence (7 mins)
• Inkin sequence (for offering incense and three prostrations -- 1:40)
• Verse of Kesa (p. 42 -- 2 mins)
• Opening Verse (from pp. 3-5 -- about 1 min)
• Opening Day-of-Week Song (p. 38 or 42 -- 1-2 mins)
• Dedication, including Gatha of Atonement or The Three Refuges (about 3 mins)
• Silence for Zazen (25 mins)
• Kinhin (4-5 mins)
• Sutra Service (7-9 mins)
• Closing Verse (from pp. 39-42 -- about 1 min)
• Closing Day-of-Week Song (p. 38 or 42 -- 1-2 mins)

The Morn practice, from the end of the Han sequence, is about 50 minutes.

The Eve practice consists only of:

• Opening Day-of-Week Song (p. 38 or 42 -- 1-2 mins)
• Silence for Zazen (25 mins)
• Closing Day-of-Week Song (p. 38 or 42 -- 1-2 mins)

The Eve practice takes just under 30 mins.

Morn Practice

For the four weeks, 2024 Mar 25 through Apr 21: Starter Audio.
You may wish to load this audio file into your favorite Alarm Clock app so you can set the time you want to be called to practice.
This Starter audio begins with a Han sequence of 7 mins calling you to get ready for practice. This is followed by a series of inkin bells during which you can offer incense to Buddha and make 3 prostrations. Then be seated and sing the words for the Verse of the Kesa (p. 42) along with the piano accompaniment. Then chant along with the "Opening Verse 1: Prayer for Practice" (p. 3).
(NOTE: The link to the Starter Audio will be updated on Mon Apr 22. The new link will connect to an audio file with a different Opening Verse.)

After chanting the Opening Verse, select the file for the day of the week.
These files include:

• Opening Day-of-Week Song (words on p. 38)
• Dedication (pp. 2-3). Mon-Wed-Fri uses the Dedication for Odd-Numbered Days. Tue-Thu-Weekend uses the Even-Numbered Days Dedication. The Dedication includes a sequence of inkin bells for bowing forward from seated posture and whispering whispering your personal dedications.
• 25 mins of silence for zazen. The zazen time is introduced with 3 bells. At the end of the 25 mins, you'll hear two bells.
• Clappers sound to indicate the beginning of 4-5 mins for kinhin. Clappers sound again for the end of kinhin.

Monday Morn
Tuesday Morn
Wednesday Morn
Thursday Morn
Friday Morn
Weekend Morn

After zazen and kinhin, be seated and select the Sutra Service.
Sutra Service for the 2nd week of spring (2024 Apr 1-7):
Mon-Wed-Fri: Sutra Service 2A (pp. 7-8, 39).
Tue-Thu-Weekend: Sutra Service 2B (pp. 9-10, 39).

Sutra Servce for the 3rd week of spring (2024 Apr 8-14):
Mon-Wed-Fri: Sutra Service 3A (p. 10-11, 39).
Tue-Thu-Weekend: Sutra Service 3B (p. 10, 12-13, 39).

Lastly, select the closing song for the day of the week. Bells at the end prompt you to stand, bow to your altar, then bow to anyone else practicing with you -- or toward the door, symbolizing the world of beings.
Monday Closing Song (p. 38)
Tuesday Closing Song (p. 38)
Wednesday Closing Song (p. 38)
Thursday Closing Song (p. 38)
Friday Closing Song (p. 38)
Weekend Closing Song (p. 42)

Eve Practice

This Han Sequence audio file includes only the 7-min Han sequence. You may wish to load it into your favorite Alarm Clock app so you can set the time you want to be called to evening practice.

• Get settled in seated posture.
• Begin audio for "Eve" (click on the appropriate link below)
• Along with the recording, sing Day-of-the-Week Opening Song (p. 38 for Mon-Fri; p. 42 for Weekend).
• 25-minutes of Zazen. Each Eve audio has 25 minutes of silence. Three bells sound at the beginning of Zazen and two bells when Zazen time is up.
• Sing along with the Day-of-the-Week Closing Song (p. 38 for Mon-Fri; p. 42 for Weekend).
• Inkin bells at the end of the Closing Song will signal you to rise, give one bow to the altar, and then a bow to the (imagined) sangha.

Mon Eve
Tue Eve
Wed Eve
Thu Eve
Fri Eve
Weekend Eve

Directory for all audio files: HERE

CREDITS

Spoken recordings by Meredith Garmon and LoraKim Joyner. "Universal Dedication" includes voice of Allie Freed.
"Jizo Dharani," "Sho Sai Myo Kichijo Dharani," "Shigu Seigan Mon," "Buddha Vandana," "Filled with Loving Kindness," "Dedication of Merit" and "Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo" pulled from Youtube.
"Gate of Sweet Nectar" by Krishna Das, sung by Starry Mountain Singers for Amidon Community Music.
"The Four Bodhisattva Vows" and "Diamond Sutra Gatha": music composed and performed by Meredith Garmon.
"Save All the Beings": piano, guitar, and vocals by Meredith Garmon, music by Boundless Way Zen.
"Verse of the Kesa" and "Shantideva's Way of the Bodhisattva": music by Soten Lynch; vocals by Soten Lynch, Kosho Ault, Maggie Medlin, and Eric Hertz. Recorded at Great Vow Zen Monastery, Clatskanie, OR, 2020.
For credits for the words/lyrics, see "Zen Sutras, Chants, and Songs".

Sitting-Group Transition

This blog site previously included news and announcements for a sitting group, "Boundless Way Zen of Westchester," led by Meredith Garmon. The members of that sitting group continue to gather to practice on Saturdays in Room 43 of Community UU Congregation (468 Rosedale Ave, White Plains, NY), led now by Seth Zuiho Segall. The group's name and affiliation have changed to Pamsula Zen of Westchester, affiliated with Rev. Daiken Nelson's Pamsula Zen Center in W. Harlem.

The website for information about the group is now:
Pamsula Zen of Westchester
See also the Meetup page: HERE.
For the website of Daiken Nelson's Pamsula Zen Center, see: pamsulazen.org.

The group continues to meet each Saturday morning, both in person and on Zoom.

(Times: US Eastern)
10:00 -- Opening, Readings, Zazen (25 mins), Kinhin (5 mins), Zazen (25 mins)
11:00 -- Sutra Service
11:15 -- Dharma Talk and Conversation
12:00 -- Closing Readings

IN PERSON
Room 43
Community UU Congregation
468 Rosedale Ave
White Plains, NY 10605

ON ZOOM
The new Zoom link is: zoom.us/j/3250329127.
Passcode remains: 468468

Winter Week 11 & 12

Meeting BOTH in person AND on zoom.

Sat Mar 5

Join the BoWZ-Westchester Sangha on Saturday mornings:
(Times: US Eastern)
9:45-10:00 -- Informal conversation
10:00 -- Opening Dedication, Readings, Zazen, Kinhin, Zazen
11:00 -- Sutra Service
11:15 -- Dharma Talk and Conversation
12:00 -- Closing Readings

IN PERSON (only if you are fully vaccinated, please)
Room 43 at
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
468 Rosedale Ave
White Plains, NY

ON ZOOM
https://zoom.us/j/2898507899
Audio Only: telephone 646-876-9923 & Enter Meeting ID: 289 850 7899

Passcode: 468468

Sat Mar 5: Practice to be led by Meredith Hotetsu Garmon

Zoom with Boundless Way Zen Temple in Worcester, MA at any of these times:
Mon-Fri, 7:00-8:00
Tue, Thu, Sun, 19:00-20:00
Zoom link: CLICK HERE

Winter Week 11:
Feb 28 - Mar 6

Reading

Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, The Way of Tenderness,
"Tracking the Footprints of Invisible Monsters," part 2, pp. 24-33.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"Mind Is Buddha" (Gateless Gate 30)

Sutras

Opening Verse for 13th Fourweek (Mon Feb 21 - Sun Mar 20): "World of Dew and Compassion," p. 6.

Sutra Service 11.B.

• "Prayer for Awakening," p. 31.
• "Who Owns the Weather?" p. 31.
• "Healing Situated in Love," p. 32.

Closing Verse for 13th Fourweek (Mon Feb 21 - Sun Mar 20): "To Change Every Moment," p. 42.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Winter Week 12:
Mar 7-13

Reading

Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, The Way of Tenderness,
"Multiplicity in Oneness," part 1, pp. 35-44.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"No Mind, No Buddha" (Gateless Gate 33)

Sutras

Opening Verse for 13th Fourweek (Mon Feb 21 - Sun Mar 20): "World of Dew and Compassion," p. 6.

Sutra Service 12.B.

• "Suffusion with the Divine Abidings," p. 34.
• "Secrets on Cultivating the Mind" p. 34.

Closing Verse for 13th Fourweek (Mon Feb 21 - Sun Mar 20): "To Change Every Moment," p. 42.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Sutra Book

For printing (double-columned pages):CLICK HERE. (Page references are to this double-column version.)

For reading on your computer screen (single-column pages):CLICK HERE.

Home Practice

Practicing every day, or nearly every day, is a crucial aspect of the Zen path. Other central aspects include sangha (meeting weekly or so to practice with a group), and sesshin (going on occasional week-end or week-long Zen retreats).

Home practice ideally includes Zazen, study of zen text (or listening to a recording or podcast of a dharma talk), and chanting/reciting some of Zen's central texts.

Recommended:

• Sitting supplies: A zabuton (mat) and either a zafu (round cushion, usually of kapok or buckwheat hulls), or a seiza bench (kneeling bench); or a chair that is your meditation chair
• A dedicated space: A corner of a room that is used only for Zen practice, where your sitting supplies and a small altar reside
• An altar: a small table with a Buddha statue and maybe an incense holder, candle, or sacred items.

There are many ways to structure home practice. Here's one:

• Light a candle, stick of incense, or both, on your altar.
• Standing in front of altar, facing it, make three bows (prostrations or standing bows) to Buddha.
• Recite "Gatha of Atonement" (odd-numbered dates) or "The Three Refuges" (even-numbered dates);
• Recite Dedication and Opening Verse (see Sutra Book)
• Zazen (25 mins)
• Recite the Sutra Service Readings for the week (see Sutra Book)
• Dharma Study time: reading a dharma book or listening to a dharma talk recording (15-30 mins). (Check out "A Quarterly Study Plan" on the Reading/Videos page.)
• Recite Closing Verses (see Sutra Book)

Additional Practice Opportunities

White Plains Zen Center:
Tue evenings: 7:30 PM
https://zoom.us/j/122286388

Hudson River Zen Center:
http://hudsonriverzencenter.org/

Insight Meditation with Nina Nagy
Mon evenings: 6 PM
https://www.awakeabiding.com/

Fall Week 13

Meeting BOTH in person AND on zoom.

Sat Dec 18

Join the BoWZ-Westchester Sangha on Saturday mornings:
(Times: US Eastern)
9:45-10:00 -- Informal conversation
10:00 -- Opening Dedication, Readings, Zazen, Kinhin, Zazen
11:00 -- Sutra Service
11:15 -- Dharma Talk and Conversation
12:00 -- Closing Readings

IN PERSON (only if you are fully vaccinated, please)
Room 43 at
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
468 Rosedale Ave
White Plains, NY

ON ZOOM
https://zoom.us/j/2898507899
Audio Only: telephone 646-876-9923 & Enter Meeting ID: 289 850 7899

Passcode: 468468

Sat Dec 18: Practice to be led by Meredith Hotetsu Garmon and Seth Zuiho Segall

Zoom with Boundless Way Zen Temple in Worcester, MA at any of these times:
Mon-Fri, 7:00-8:00
Tue, Thu, Sun, 19:00-20:00
Zoom link: CLICK HERE

Autumn Week 13:
Dec 13 - 19

Reading

Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness,
"The Meaning of Life," pp. 128-131.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"Bodhisattvas in the Bath" (Blue Cliff Record 78)

Sutras

Opening Verse for 10th Fourweek (Mon Nov 29 - Sun Dec 26): "Realizing the Zen Way," p. 5.

Sutra Service 13.A.

• Heart Sutra, p. 11.
• The Misunderstanding of Many Lifetimes, p. 35.
• Self and Other the Same, p. 35.
• Guidepost for the Hall of Pure Bliss, p. 36.

Closing Verse for 10th Fourweek (Mon Nov 29 - Sun Dec 26): "Awakening to Discouragement," p. 41.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Winter Week 1:
Dec 20-26

OUR SATURDAY MORNING SIT IS CANCELLED FOR DEC 25.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sutras

Opening Verse for 10th Fourweek (Mon Nov 29 - Sun Dec 26): "Realizing the Zen Way," p. 5.

Sutra Service 1

• Precepts, p. 6.

Closing Verse for 10th Fourweek (Mon Nov 29 - Sun Dec 26): "Awakening to Discouragement," p. 41.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Winter Week 2:
Dec 27 - Jan 2

Reading

Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness,
"Doing Nothing," pp. 133-136.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"Think Neither Good Nor Evil" (Gateless Gate 23)

Sutras

Opening Verse for 11th Fourweek (Mon Dec 27 - Sun Jan 23): "The Fruit of the Bodhisattva Way," p. 6.

Sutra Service 2.B.

• Liberation from All Obstructions, p. 8.
• Xinxinming (prose), p. 9.

Closing Verse for 11th Fourweek (Mon Dec 27 - Sun Jan 23): "On Zen," p. 41.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Sutra Book

For printing (double-columned pages):CLICK HERE. (Page references are to this double-column version.)

For reading on your computer screen (single-column pages):CLICK HERE.

Chant Along with these Audio Files: CLICK HERE.

Home Practice

Practicing every day, or nearly every day, is a crucial aspect of the Zen path. Other central aspects include sangha (meeting weekly or so to practice with a group), and sesshin (going on occasional week-end or week-long Zen retreats).

Home practice ideally includes Zazen, study of zen text (or listening to a recording or podcast of a dharma talk), and chanting/reciting some of Zen's central texts.

Recommended:

• Sitting supplies: A zabuton (mat) and either a zafu (round cushion, usually of kapok or buckwheat hulls), or a seiza bench (kneeling bench); or a chair that is your meditation chair
• A dedicated space: A corner of a room that is used only for Zen practice, where your sitting supplies and a small altar reside
• An altar: a small table with a Buddha statue and maybe an incense holder, candle, or sacred items.

There are many ways to structure home practice. Here's one:

• Light a candle, stick of incense, or both, on your altar.
• Standing in front of altar, facing it, make three bows (prostrations or standing bows) to Buddha.
• Recite "Gatha of Atonement" (odd-numbered dates) or "The Three Refuges" (even-numbered dates);
• Recite Dedication and Opening Verse (see Sutra Book)
• Zazen (25 mins)
• Recite the Sutra Service Readings for the week (see Sutra Book)
• Dharma Study time: reading a dharma book or listening to a dharma talk recording (15-30 mins). (Check out "A Quarterly Study Plan" on the Reading/Videos page.)
• Recite Closing Verses (see Sutra Book)

Additional Practice Opportunities

White Plains Zen Center:
Tue evenings: 7:30 PM
https://zoom.us/j/122286388

Hudson River Zen Center:
http://hudsonriverzencenter.org/

Insight Meditation with Nina Nagy
Mon evenings: 6 PM
https://www.awakeabiding.com/

Fall Week 9 & 10

Meeting BOTH in person AND on zoom.

Sat Nov 20

Join the BoWZ-Westchester Sangha on Saturday mornings:
(Times: US Eastern)
9:45-10:00 -- Informal conversation
10:00 -- Opening Dedication, Readings, Zazen, Kinhin, Zazen
11:00 -- Sutra Service
11:15 -- Dharma Talk and Conversation
12:00 -- Closing Readings

IN PERSON (only if you are fully vaccinated, please)
Room 43 at
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
468 Rosedale Ave
White Plains, NY

ON ZOOM
https://zoom.us/j/2898507899
Audio Only: telephone 646-876-9923 & Enter Meeting ID: 289 850 7899

Passcode: 468468

Sat Nov 20: Practice to be led by Meredith Hotetsu Garmon and Seth Zuiho Segall

Zoom with Boundless Way Zen Temple in Worcester, MA at any of these times:
Mon-Fri, 7:00-8:00
Tue, Thu, Sun, 19:00-20:00
Zoom link: CLICK HERE

Autumn Week 9:
Nov 15 - 21

Reading

Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness,
"If It Is Broke, Fix It," pp. 110-114.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"Bodhidharma Puts the Mind to Rest" (Gateless Gate 41)

Sutras

Opening Verse for 9th Fourweek (Mon Nov 1 - Sun Nov 29): "The Entire Universe," p. 5.

Sutra Service 9A

• Fukanzazengi, p. 26.
• Raihai Tokuzui, p. 26.
• Shinjin Gakudo, p. 27.
• Kaiin Zanmai, p. 27.

Closing Verse for 9th Fourweek (Mon Nov 1 - Sun Nov 29): "Compassion Unbound," p. 41.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Autumn Week 10:
Nov 22 - 28

Reading

Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness,
"A Mother's Kiss," pp. 115-120.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"Great Master Fu Concludes His Lecture on the Sutra" (Blue Cliff Record 67)

Sutras

Opening Verse for 9th Fourweek (Mon Nov 1 - Sun Nov 29): "The Entire Universe," p. 5.

Sutra Service 10

• Heart Sutra, p. 11.
• Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage, p. 29.
• Torei's Bodhisattva's Vow, p. 29.

Closing Verse for 9th Fourweek (Mon Nov 1 - Sun Nov 29): "Compassion Unbound," p. 41.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Sutra Book

For printing (double-columned pages):CLICK HERE. (Page references are to this double-column version.)

For reading on your computer screen (single-column pages):CLICK HERE.

Chant Along with these Audio Files: CLICK HERE.

Home Practice

Practicing every day, or nearly every day, is a crucial aspect of the Zen path. Other central aspects include sangha (meeting weekly or so to practice with a group), and sesshin (going on occasional week-end or week-long Zen retreats).

Home practice ideally includes Zazen, study of zen text (or listening to a recording or podcast of a dharma talk), and chanting/reciting some of Zen's central texts.

Recommended:

• Sitting supplies: A zabuton (mat) and either a zafu (round cushion, usually of kapok or buckwheat hulls), or a seiza bench (kneeling bench); or a chair that is your meditation chair
• A dedicated space: A corner of a room that is used only for Zen practice, where your sitting supplies and a small altar reside
• An altar: a small table with a Buddha statue and maybe an incense holder, candle, or sacred items.

There are many ways to structure home practice. Here's one:

• Light a candle, stick of incense, or both, on your altar.
• Standing in front of altar, facing it, make three bows (prostrations or standing bows) to Buddha.
• Recite "Gatha of Atonement" (odd-numbered dates) or "The Three Refuges" (even-numbered dates);
• Recite Dedication and Opening Verse (see Sutra Book)
• Zazen (25 mins)
• Recite the Sutra Service Readings for the week (see Sutra Book)
• Dharma Study time: reading a dharma book or listening to a dharma talk recording (15-30 mins). (Check out "A Quarterly Study Plan" on the Reading/Videos page.)
• Recite Closing Verses (see Sutra Book)

Additional Practice Opportunities

White Plains Zen Center:
Tue evenings: 7:30 PM
https://zoom.us/j/122286388

Hudson River Zen Center:
http://hudsonriverzencenter.org/

Insight Meditation with Nina Nagy
Mon evenings: 6 PM
https://www.awakeabiding.com/

Fall Week 5 & 6

Meeting BOTH in person AND on zoom.

Sat Oct 23

Join the BoWZ-Westchester Sangha on Saturday mornings:
(Times: US Eastern)
9:45-10:00 -- Informal conversation
10:00 -- Opening Dedication, Readings, Zazen, Kinhin, Zazen
11:00 -- Sutra Service
11:15 -- Dharma Talk and Conversation
12:00 -- Closing Readings

IN PERSON (only if you are fully vaccinated, please)
Room 43 at
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
468 Rosedale Ave
White Plains, NY

ON ZOOM
https://zoom.us/j/2898507899
Audio Only: telephone 646-876-9923 & Enter Meeting ID: 289 850 7899

Passcode: 468468

Sat Oct 16: Practice to be led by Meredith Hotetsu Garmon and Seth Zuiho Segall

Zoom with Boundless Way Zen Temple in Worcester, MA at any of these times:
Mon-Fri, 7:00-8:00
Tue, Thu, Sun, 19:00-20:00
Zoom link: CLICK HERE

Autumn Week 5:
Mon Oct 18 - Sun Oct 24

Reading

Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness,
"Asses and Horses," pp. 93-97.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"Vimalakirti's 'The Gate to the One and Only'" (Blue Cliff Record 84; Book of Serenity 48)

Sutras

Opening Verse for 8th Fourweek (Mon Oct 4 - Sun Oct 31): "Menju -- Face-to-Face Transmission," p. 5.

Sutra Service

• The Compassionate Heart of Wisdom, p. 16.
• Harmony of Relative and Absolute, p. 17.
• Song of Zazen, p. 17.

Closing Verse for 8th Fourweek (Mon Oct 4 - Sun Oct 31): "Hope in the Dark," p. 40.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Autumn Week 6:
Mon Oct 25 - Sun Oct 31

Reading

Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness,
"Thomas Merton in Love," pp. 97-102.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"The Diamond Sutra's 'The Transgression is Wiped Out'" (Blue Cliff Record 97, Book of Serenity 58)

Sutras

Opening Verse for 8th Fourweek (Mon Oct 4 - Sun Oct 31): "Menju -- Face-to-Face Transmission," p. 5.

Sutra Service

• Eihei Koso Hotsuganmon, p. 18.
• Mangala Sutta, p. 18.
• Yongjia's Song of Realizing the Dao, p. 19.

Closing Verse for 8th Fourweek (Mon Oct 4 - Sun Oct 31): "Hope in the Dark," p. 40.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Sutra Book

For printing (double-columned pages):CLICK HERE. (Page references are to this double-column version.)

For reading on your computer screen (single-column pages):CLICK HERE.

Chant Along with these Audio Files: CLICK HERE.

Home Practice

Practicing every day, or nearly every day, is a crucial aspect of the Zen path. Other central aspects include sangha (meeting weekly or so to practice with a group), and sesshin (going on occasional week-end or week-long Zen retreats).

Home practice ideally includes Zazen, study of zen text (or listening to a recording or podcast of a dharma talk), and chanting/reciting some of Zen's central texts.

Recommended:

• Sitting supplies: A zabuton (mat) and either a zafu (round cushion, usually of kapok or buckwheat hulls), or a seiza bench (kneeling bench); or a chair that is your meditation chair
• A dedicated space: A corner of a room that is used only for Zen practice, where your sitting supplies and a small altar reside
• An altar: a small table with a Buddha statue and maybe an incense holder, candle, or sacred items.

There are many ways to structure home practice. Here's one:

• Light a candle, stick of incense, or both, on your altar.
• Standing in front of altar, facing it, make three bows (prostrations or standing bows) to Buddha.
• Recite "Gatha of Atonement" (odd-numbered dates) or "The Three Refuges" (even-numbered dates);
• Recite Dedication and Opening Verse (see Sutra Book)
• Zazen (25 mins)
• Recite the Sutra Service Readings for the week (see Sutra Book)
• Dharma Study time: reading a dharma book or listening to a dharma talk recording (15-30 mins). (Check out "A Quarterly Study Plan" on the Reading/Videos page.)
• Recite Closing Verses (see Sutra Book)

Additional Practice Opportunities

White Plains Zen Center:
Tue evenings: 7:30 PM
https://zoom.us/j/122286388

Hudson River Zen Center:
http://hudsonriverzencenter.org/

Insight Meditation with Nina Nagy
Mon evenings: 6 PM
https://www.awakeabiding.com/

Fall Week 1 & 2

Meeting BOTH in person AND on zoom.

Sep 25

Join the BoWZ-Westchester Sangha on Saturday mornings:
(Times: US Eastern)
9:45-10:00 -- Informal conversation
10:00 -- Opening Dedication, Readings, Zazen, Kinhin, Zazen
11:00 -- Sutra Service
11:15 -- Dharma Talk and Conversation
12:00 -- Closing Readings

IN PERSON (only if you are fully vaccinated, please)
Room 43 at
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
468 Rosedale Ave
White Plains, NY

ON ZOOM
https://zoom.us/j/2898507899
Audio Only: telephone 646-876-9923 & Enter Meeting ID: 289 850 7899

Passcode: 468468

Sat Sep 25: Practice to be led by Meredith Hotetsu Garmon and Seth Zuiho Segall

Zoom with Boundless Way Zen Temple in Worcester, MA at any of these times:
Mon-Fri, 7:00-8:00
Tue, Thu, Sun, 19:00-20:00
Zoom link: CLICK HERE

Autumn Week 1:
Mon Sep 20 - Sun Sep 26

Reading

Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness,
"Spiritual versus Material," pp. 74-81.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"A Non-Buddhist Questions Buddha"

Sutras

Dedication: Ancestor Dedication ("Dedication 2"), pp. 2-3.

Opening Verse for 7th Fourweek (Mon Sep 6 - Sun Oct 3): "Clear Mind," p. 5.

Sutra Service

• Precepts, p. 6.

Closing Verse for 7th Fourweek (Mon Sep 6 - Sun Oct 3): "There is No End," p. 40.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Autumn Week 2:
Mon Sep 27 - Sun Oct 3

Reading

Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness,
"Sitting Long Becomes Tiring," pp. 81-83.
Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

"A Woman Comes Out of Samadhi"

Sutras

Opening Verse for 7th Fourweek (Mon Sep 6 - Sun Oct 3): "Clear Mind," p. 5.

Sutra Service

• Liberation from All Obstructions, p. 8.
• Xinxinming (Rhythmic), p. 8

Closing Verse for 7th Fourweek (Mon Sep 6 - Sun Oct 3): "There is No End," p. 40.

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Upcoming

Next Online Sesshin

Fri Oct 1, 19:00 through Mon Oct 4, 12:30

Online Practice periods include Zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), dharma talk, dharma dialogue, and dokusan (interview with teacher).

Times of Online Practice:
Evening (19:00 - 20:30) -- Fri, Sat, Sun
Early Morning (7:00 - 8:30) -- Sat, Sun, Mon
Late Morning (10:30 - 12:30) -- Sat, Sun, Mon
Afternoon (14:30 - 16:00) -- Sat, Sun

See the flyer for this event HERE.
To register, go HERE.

Sutra Book

For printing (double-columned pages):CLICK HERE. (Page references are to this double-column version.)

For reading on your computer screen (single-column pages):CLICK HERE.

Chant Along with these Audio Files: CLICK HERE.

Home Practice

Practicing every day, or nearly every day, is a crucial aspect of the Zen path. Other central aspects include sangha (meeting weekly or so to practice with a group), and sesshin (going on occasional week-end or week-long Zen retreats).

Home practice ideally includes Zazen, study of zen text (or listening to a recording or podcast of a dharma talk), and chanting/reciting some of Zen's central texts.

Recommended:

• Sitting supplies: A zabuton (mat) and either a zafu (round cushion, usually of kapok or buckwheat hulls), or a seiza bench (kneeling bench); or a chair that is your meditation chair
• A dedicated space: A corner of a room that is used only for Zen practice, where your sitting supplies and a small altar reside
• An altar: a small table with a Buddha statue and maybe an incense holder, candle, or sacred items.

There are many ways to structure home practice. Here's one:

• Light a candle, stick of incense, or both, on your altar.
• Standing in front of altar, facing it, make three bows (prostrations or standing bows) to Buddha.
• Recite "Gatha of Atonement" (odd-numbered dates) or "The Three Refuges" (even-numbered dates);
• Recite Dedication and Opening Verse (see Sutra Book)
• Zazen (25 mins)
• Recite the Sutra Service Readings for the week (see Sutra Book)
• Dharma Study time: reading a dharma book or listening to a dharma talk recording (15-30 mins). (Check out "A Quarterly Study Plan" on the Reading/Videos page.)
• Recite Closing Verses (see Sutra Book)

Additional Practice Opportunities

White Plains Zen Center:
Tue evenings: 7:30 PM
https://zoom.us/j/122286388

Hudson River Zen Center:
http://hudsonriverzencenter.org/

Insight Meditation with Nina Nagy
Mon evenings: 6 PM
https://www.awakeabiding.com/

Summer Week 10 & 11

Now meeting BOTH in person AND on zoom.

Join the BoWZ-Westchester Sangha on Saturday mornings:
(Times: US Eastern)
9:45-10:00 -- Informal conversation
10:00 -- Opening Dedication, Readings, Zazen, Kinhin, Zazen
11:00 -- Sutra Service
11:15 -- Dharma Talk and Conversation
12:00 -- Closing Readings

IN PERSON (only if you are fully vaccinated, please)
Room 43 at
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
468 Rosedale Ave
White Plains, NY

ON ZOOM
https://zoom.us/j/2898507899
Audio Only: telephone 646-876-9923 & Enter Meeting ID: 289 850 7899

Passcode: 468468

Sat Aug 28: Practice to be led by Meredith Hotetsu Garmon

Zoom with Boundless Way Zen Temple in Worcester, MA at any of these times:
Mon-Fri, 7-8am
Tue, Thu, Sun, 7-8pm
Zoom link: CLICK HERE

For Summer Week 10:
Mon Aug 23 - Sun Aug 29

Reading

for Sat Aug 28

• Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness, "Rinzai's 'Buji' Zen," pp. 62-65.

Reading Schedule HERE

Raven Tale

• "Moving On"

Sutras

Dedication

• For odd-numbered days, begins with Gatha of Atonement, p. 2
• For even-numbered days, begins with The Three Refuges, p. 2

Opening Verse for 6th Fourweek (Mon Aug 9 - Sun Sep 5)

• Dedication of Merit, p. 4

Sutra Service

• Heart Sutra, p. 11.
• Shitou's Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage, p. 29.
• Torei's Bodhisattva's Vow, p. 29.

Closing Verse for 6th Fourweek (Mon Aug 9 - Sun Sep 5)

• Your True Self is the World, p. 40
• Save All the Beings, p. 42

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

For Summer Week 11:
Mon Aug 30 - Sun Sep 5

Reading

for Sat Sep 4

• Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness, "If This Was It," pp. 65-68.

Reading Schedule HERE

Koan

• "The Wisdom in the Flower Garland Sutra"

Sutras

Dedication

• For odd-numbered days, begins with Gatha of Atonement, p. 2
• For even-numbered days, begins with The Three Refuges, p. 2

Opening Verse for 7th Fourweek (Mon Sep 6 - Sun Oct 3)

• Clear Mind, p. 5.

Sutra Service

• Dahui's Prayer for Awakening, p. 31.
• Who Own's the Weather? p. 31.
• Kyodo's Healing Situated in Love, p. 32.

Closing Verse for 7th Fourweek (Mon Sep 6 - Sun Oct 3)

• There is No End, p. 40.
• The Four Bodhisattva Vows, p. 42

To chant along with audio recording, find the recordings HERE.

Sutra Book

For printing (double-columned pages):CLICK HERE. (Page references are to this double-column version.)

For reading on your computer screen (single-column pages):CLICK HERE.

Chant Along with these Audio Files: CLICK HERE.

Home Practice

Practicing every day, or nearly every day, is a crucial aspect of the Zen path. Other central aspects include sangha (meeting weekly or so to practice with a group), and sesshin (going on occasional week-end or week-long Zen retreats).

Home practice ideally includes Zazen, study of zen text (or listening to a recording or podcast of a dharma talk), and chanting/reciting some of Zen's central texts.

Recommended:

• Sitting supplies: A zabuton (mat) and either a zafu (round cushion, usually of kapok or buckwheat hulls), or a seiza bench (kneeling bench); or a chair that is your meditation chair
• A dedicated space: A corner of a room that is used only for Zen practice, where your sitting supplies and a small altar reside
• An altar: a small table with a Buddha statue and maybe an incense holder, candle, or sacred items.

There are many ways to structure home practice. Here's one:

• Light a candle, stick of incense, or both, on your altar.
• Standing in front of altar, facing it, make three bows (prostrations or standing bows) to Buddha.
• Recite "Gatha of Atonement" (odd-numbered dates) or "The Three Refuges" (even-numbered dates);
• Recite Dedication and Opening Verse (see Sutra Book)
• Zazen (25 mins)
• Recite the Sutra Service Readings for the week (see Sutra Book)
• Dharma Study time: reading a dharma book or listening to a dharma talk recording (15-30 mins). (Check out "A Quarterly Study Plan" on the Reading/Videos page.)
• Recite Closing Verses (see Sutra Book)

Additional Practice Opportunities

White Plains Zen Center:
Tue evenings: 7:30 PM
https://zoom.us/j/122286388

Hudson River Zen Center:
http://hudsonriverzencenter.org/

Insight Meditation with Nina Nagy
Mon evenings: 6 PM
https://www.awakeabiding.com/

Raven 183: Moving On

183 of 183

It's foolish to trust what isn't trustworthy. Chance you've got to take.

Case

Raven took her perch on the Assembly Oak and addressed a special meeting of the Tallspruce community, saying, “It’s time for me to be moving on.”
Porcupine asked, “Where will you be going?”
Raven said, “Where cedar roots stand bare in the creek.”
A hush fell over the circle. Grouse could be heard sniffling.
At last Porcupine asked, “Do you have any last words for us?”
Raven said, “Trust.”

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Raven 182: Taking Over

182 of 183

What kind of Zen do you teach, with your wiggling fingers and warm breath. What does your gait teach? Your smile, frown, shrug? You can make a guess, and even if there is some insight there, the Zen you teach will change.

Raven called Porcupine for a private meeting. “It’ll soon be time for me to be moving on. Are you up for taking over?”
Porcupine said, “It won’t be Raven Zen.”
Raven asked, “What kind of Zen will it be?”
Porcupine said, “Don’t touch.”
Raven said, “Exactly.”

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Raven 181: Foresters

181 of 183

All things are impermanent, yes. Don't let this obscure from you that you exist now; you have done things, and loved, and perhaps, for a bit longer, will continue to. It will eternally be the case that you were in this place at this time. You might leave behind some impress or bone that fossilizes, or you might not. Doesn't matter. Whether anyone in the future knows anything of it or not, it will always be true that you were here on this day, felt what you felt and did what you did.

Case

Owl spoke up the next evening and said, “I’ve been brooding about your remark to Mallard that the foresters are closing in. [#175] I think we aren’t facing things. It’s always been hard to find food and raise a family but now the forest is shrinking and folks like Wolverine can’t even find a mate.”
Raven said, “Yes.”
Owl said, “I feel despair about those foresters.”
Woodpecker interrupted and said, “The problem is that they aren’t really foresters.”
Raven said, “Yes.”
Owl asked, “What can be done?”
Raven did not respond, and the group was silent.
Finally Porcupine said, “Their children will remember us.”
Owl said, “Small comfort.”
Raven said, “Brontosaur lives.”

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Raven 180: Wise Counsel

180 of 183

We remember "great ones of the past" for our own purposes, not for theirs. We do not understand their deeds, but rather imagine ourselves doing them.
As for forgetting yourself: safety first!
Reality is made of nothing but gratitude and compassion.

Case

Mole continued pressing Raven. “How would you like to be remembered?”
Raven said, “If you can forget yourself even once, then I can be forgotten.”
Mole said, “I learned with my mother’s milk that if I forget myself even once, something will consume me.”
Raven said, “Wise counsel. Wise counsel.”

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Raven 179: Last Will and Testament

179 of 183

Love what is. That's all. Love what is and everything that brought it to be. Then your legacy, your will and testament, last and first, will be entirely gratitude.

Grammar purveys delusions: common nouns, that categories are real; past conditional modal verbs ("could have been"), that something that is, isn't necessarily. Reality knows no such.

Case

Mole and Woodpecker came together to see Raven one afternoon.
Mole said, "Woodpecker and I have been noticing that you're getting on in years, and wondering -- have you made your last will and testament?"
Raven said, "Thank you."
The three of them sat together silently for a while.
Then Woodpecker asked, "Looking back, is there anything you would like to have done differently?"
Raven said, "How could I?"
Mole asked, "Each time you decided which way to go. Are you sorry about any of those decisions?"
Raven said, "How could I?"

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Raven 178: Zazen for the Young Ones

178 of 183

"Tomorrow, after my death, some men may decide to establish Fascism, and the others may be so cowardly or so slack as to let them do so. If so, Fascism will then be the truth of man, and so much the worse for us." --Jean-Paul Sartre

Maybe no one's watching. Maybe you're not modeling anything for anyone. Maybe the Fascists take over, and your own child supports them. Even if no one is watching, that you bowed, that you practiced, that you sat and chanted and studied sutras, that you glimpsed your nature -- these will be eternal facts. They will be written in the book of reality, even if no one ever reads your page. Now, bow. Just bow in the knowledge that at that moment nothing else matters.

Case

One evening Badger asked, "Do you encourage the young ones to do zazen?"
Raven asked, "What happens when they see you sit down to practice?"
Badger said, "They go out to play."
Raven said, "Well?"
Badger said, "Maybe I can do something now, and later they will remember and take up the practice."
Raven said, "Bow."

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